Kansas City Chiefs NFL Draft Big Board: Position-by-Position Rankings

The Kansas City Chiefs head into the 2015 draft in an enviable position. While the team didn't return to the playoffs last season, it did narrowly miss out with a 9-7 record.

This suggests that Kansas City is only a piece or two away from legitimate contention. Considering the Chiefs defeated both of last year's Super Bowl participants, general manager John Dorsey and head coach Andy Reid probably feel confident that this roster is already good enough to make a deep run in the postseason.

The challenge for a team like Kansas City is finding guys who can immediately contribute at the right positions. The Chiefs have a stellar defense (ranked second overall, allowing 17.6 points per game last season) but may want to strengthen the secondary and the defensive line.

Offensively, the team has a solid veteran quarterback in Alex Smith and a stud running back in Jamaal Charles. However, the Chiefs could definitely use another top wide receiver to complement the recently acquired Jeremy Maclin and a top-tier offensive lineman. 

As should be the case with any team with championship aspirations, pass-rusher has to be considered, even though it isn't a primary need for Kansas City. 

Kansas City can afford to take the best player available but will likely put extra emphasis on a few key positions. With this in mind, let's take a look at what the Chiefs' draft big board might look like heading into Round 1.

Wide Receiver

By now, everyone has probably become privy to the fact that no Chiefs receiver hauled in a touchdown pass last season. Even though the Chiefs are currently built to be a run-first team (100 more rushing attempts than passes last season), this is clearly a problem.

Kansas City added wide receiver Jeremy Maclin in free agency, which obviously helps the situation. However, the team also watched former No. 1 wideout Dwayne Bowe sign with the Cleveland Browns.

Adding one of the draft's top pass-catching prospects would go a long way toward bringing balance to the offensive side of the football.

1. Amari Cooper, Alabama

Former Alabama star Amari Cooper is the type of polished, NFL-ready receiver who could instantly transform the Chiefs offense into a more potent one.

At 6'1" and 211 pounds, he has the physical traits to be a future NFL star. Unlike some past NFL-ready receivers, however, there is a ton of upside with this guy. 

Bleacher Report Lead NFL Draft Analyst Matt Miller wrote the following of cooper:

"

An explosive, polished receiver with instant-impact skills, Amari Cooper was college football’s best receiver in 2014. Cooper is a fluid, fast and smart player capable of lining up at any of the three wide receiver spots and giving you production. He’s the best route-runner in this draft class and has the confidence in his feet and hips to break off routes and accelerate away from defenders.

"

Cooper is likely to be the first or second receiver taken in the first round, so if the Chiefs want to grab him, they will likely have to trade up from No. 18. His polish and ability to immediately contribute put Cooper at the top of Kansas City's draft board.

2. Kevin White, West Virginia

West Virginia's Kevin White is coming off a breakout season that saw him grab 109 receptions and 1,447 yards. If he had a longer history of this type of production, he would likely be the clear-cut No. 1 receiver prospect.

However, White had just 35 receptions in 2013 and is currently being judged by his potential more than his past production.

From a potential standpoint, he has a ton to offer. The 6'3", 215-pound receiver ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine while putting up an impressive 23 reps on the 225-pound bench press. White does have the stellar 2014 season as proof of his capabilities, so he is far from a workout warrior. 

Still, he sits high atop this draft board because his best years are likely still to come.

3. Jaelen Strong, Arizona State

Arizona State's Jaelen Strong comes in third on this list because of his physicality, aggressiveness and ability to come down with almost any pass.

The 6'2, 217-pound pass-catcher plays a physical brand of football that suits the Chiefs perfectly. He definitely isn't the fastest guy (ran a 4.44-second 40 at the combine), but he is determined and relentless and attacks the football.

Strong can make an immediate impact because of his ball skills, but he is still a little raw and may take some time to develop into a complete receiver. 

4. Nelson Agholor, USC

Southern California product Nelson Agholor is another guy with terrific hands and great ball skills. He may actually have the best hands in this draft class, which makes him an instant contributor and an immediate red-zone threat.

At 6'0" and 198 pounds, Agholor isn't as big as the other guys on this list, but he is a fiery competitor and a polished route-runner. 

He has return ability (344 return yards in 2014), which adds to his draft value.

5. DeVante Parker, Louisville

Louisville's DeVante Parker is another big (6'3", 209 pounds) wideout with the potential to be a top-10 selection. Though he is a step slower than Cooper and White (he ran a 4.45-second 40 at the combine), his size, fearlessness and ability to make the contested catch make Parker a top-tier guy.

The downside is that Parker missed seven games in 2014 with a foot injury and isn't an efficient run-blocker. 

Parker probably ranks higher on most draft boards, but for a team that places an importance on physicality and support of the ground game, he drops a couple of spots.

Offensive Tackle

Rick Bowmer/Associated Press

Kansas City has a major need at offensive tackle for a couple of reasons. For starters, former No. 1 overall draft pick Eric Fisher struggled at left tackle a season ago. Also, right tackle Ryan Harris is currently without a contract, according to Spotrac.com.

Fisher was so bad, in fact, that he ranked just 72nd overall among tackles, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Chiefs may want to consider moving Fisher back to the right side and grabbing a top left tackle prospect.

1. D.J. Humphries, Florida

Florida product D.J. Humphries is as NFL-ready as any offensive lineman in this raft class, which is why he will likely be the top tackle on most draft boards. The 6'5", 307-pounder is a physical and athletic prospect with the skills needed to start right away.

However, Humphries is not especially technically sound and lacks the kind of upside you would like to see in a high draft pick. Still, the fact that he is ready to play immediately on the left side makes him the top prospect in a relatively weak offensive tackle group.

Because Humphries is NFL-ready, he will likely be a high first-round selection. Grabbing him will most likely require a sizable trade.

2. La’el Collins, LSU 

Former LSU standout La'el Collins may actually sit higher on some draft boards than Humphries because of his ability to play well at both tackle and guard.

Collins is a powerful and aggressive run-blocker who projects as an instant starter on the right side. He does, however, lack good hand placement and pass-blocking technique.

"I love the guy on tape. Big-time finisher in the run game and we need that. What I don't like is that his hands are bad as a pass-blocker right now, and I'm not sure he gets that fixed right away. Other than that, he's pretty clean," an unnamed NFL offensive line coach said of Collins, per NFL.com.

3 Andrus Peat, Stanford

From a potential standpoint, Stanford's Andrus Peat is probably the most impressive tackle prospect in this draft. However, he is raw and projects as a boom-or-bust candidate.

At 6'7" and 313 pounds, Peat is an absolute monster along the offensive line, and his athleticism is surprising for someone his size. He is a powerful run-blocker with some pass-protection ability. However, he will need to improve in the latter area to translate into an NFL left tackle.

Peat will probably be a first-round pick because of his potential, though his immediate role will likely be as a starting right guard.

4. Jake Fisher, Oregon

Oregon's Jake Fisher ranks high on this board because of his ability to play either tackle position. The 6'6", 306-pound prospect is quick, athletic and long. These are all traits you want in a pass-protector. 

However, Fisher isn't the most physical blocker in the draft class and could definitely stand to add both strength and bulk before stepping into a starting role. His ability to contribute right away is questionable.

Realistically, he should be a Day 2 selection, though it wouldn't be too surprising if someone did reach for him at the end of Round 1.

5. Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M

Texas A&M product Cedric Ogbuehi is another guy who may end up in the first round because of a relatively weak class.

At 6'5" and 306 pounds, Ogbuehi is a long and lean physical specimen who looks like an NFL pass-protector. The problem is that he is coming off a torn ACL that he suffered at the end of last season.

Because of this, it is difficult to predict Ogbuehi's ability to make an immediate impact. For a team that is looking to make a deep playoff run this season, this hurts his value.

Offensive Guard

Travis Bell/Associated Press

Kansas City was rated just 19th overall in run-blocking for the 2014 season, according to Pro Football Focus. For a team that so often turns to Jamaal Charles and the running game, this should be unacceptable.

An offseason trade for Ben Grubbs should help things at left guard, but Pro Football Focus ranked current right guard Zach Fulton 64th overall at his position and 72nd in run-blocking in 2014. 

Clearly, there is room for an immediate upgrade.

1. Brandon Scherff, Iowa

Former Iowa standout Brandon Scherff may just be the most talented and versatile offensive lineman in the entire draft. The 6'5", 319-pounder played left tackle as a senior but can likely fit at any position along the line at the next level.

He should hold exceptional value to the Chiefs because of his ability to support a rushing attack. Scherff is a physical mauler who can dominate opposing defenders. He has the physical traits required to play tackle in the NFL but is limited as a pass-protector.

Several teams may consider Scherff to be worthy of a high first-round pick, so grabbing him will likely require a trade.

2. A.J. Cann, South Carolina

South Carolina's A.J. Cann is another pro-ready guard prospect. At 6'3" and 313 pounds, he has the body and build to be a long-term starter, but he has limited physical upside.

"Nothing about him gets you really excited and nothing about him gets you really down. He's just a steady player and will probably be a nine- or 10-year starter. I'll take that," An unnamed NFL offensive line coach said of Cann, per NFL.com.

Cann should be a second-round selection, though it wouldn't be surprising to see a team reach for him at the bottom of Round 1.

3. Laken Tomlinson, Duke

Duke's Laken Tomlinson made a name for himself at the Senior Bowl, which jump-started his rise up draft boards. He projects as a possible rookie starter and can fill in as a primary backup, at the very least.

At 6'3" and 323 pounds, Tomlinson is strong and holds a relatively low center of gravity. He doesn't possess the range that some offensive line coaches will want, but he is stout interior run-blocker who can open holes up front.

Tomlinson is probably a second- or third-round guy, with a high floor and a low ceiling. 

4. Tre' Jackson, Florida State

Florida State's Tre' Jackson looked like he could be a future NFL star back in 2013 but really didn't seem to improve this past season. However, he was named Senior Bowl MVP for the South Team, which helps drive home the fact that the talent is there.

At 6'4" and 330 pounds, Jackson is a big-bodied interior lineman who relies on size and strength more than technique. He has room to grow in this regard, but he should still immediately compete for a starting role.

He is likely a second- or third-round pick and definitely worth a Day 2 selection.

5. Ali Marpet, Hobart

Hobart's Ali Marpet is one of those small-school prospects with big potential. He is an athletic, 6'4", 307-pound monster on the interior and has shown flashes of freakish ability.

The downside is that he is stiff for a guard that is supposed to rely on athleticism, plus he rarely faced top-tier competition at the collegiate level.

Still, he is probably good enough to compete for a starting job as a rookie and is worthy of a Day 2 pick.

Cornerback

Kansas City has a solid overall defense, so it makes sense to address the other side of the football first on draft day.

However, there is room for depth on the defense, especially if the Chiefs can land a long-term contributor on that side of the football. 

The reason cornerback makes sense for Kansas City is that starter Sean Smith is entering the final year of his current contract. He may also face an NFL-imposed suspension after pleading guilty to a DUI charge.

Cornerback isn't a major need, but it is a position the Chiefs will likely consider during the draft.

1. Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest

Former Wake Forest standout Kevin Johnson is as NFL-ready as any cornerback in this year's draft class. Though he has been overshadowed by Michigan State's Trae Waynes during the draft process, he is an experienced (three-year starter) and explosive pass defender. 

At 6'0" and 188 pounds, Johnson has the height and range that NFL teams now covet in the secondary. Because of his starting experience and ability to react quickly, he should have a fast pro transition.

He is a natural man-to-man defender, which makes him a perfect fit for what coordinator Bob Sutton likes to do on defense. 

2. Trae Waynes, Michigan State

Waynes probably sits atop many draft boards because of a stellar combine performance (4.31-second 40-yard dash, 19 reps in the bench press), but he has always been a solid man-to-man defender.

The issue with the 6'0", 186-pounder is that he does not transition well out of breaks and frequently allows brief windows of separation. He tries to combat this by grabbing and holding receivers. These issues will cause problems in the NFL.

If Waynes can hone his instincts and learn to be less "hands-on," though, he should emerge as a capable starter.

3. Jalen Collins, LSU

LSU product Jalen Collins is probably the most physically gifted cornerback in this draft. If he were more seasoned and polished, he would probably emerge as a top-10 selection.

Collins, however, only has 10 career starts to his credit and is raw from a technical standpoint. He is fluid and quick for a 6'1", 203-pound defender, but it will likely take time for him to develop into an NFL starter.

For a team that is thinking long-term, Collins is an enticing option. The problem with raw prospects is that they have so much boom-or-bust potential. 

4. Ronald Darby, Florida State

Florida State's Ronald Darby is a capable cover corner who is ready to contribute right away. 

The problem with the 5'11", 193-pound pass defender is a lack of physicality. Though he possesses elite speed for the position (4.38-second 40 at the combine), he has trouble playing the press and with bigger receivers.

Darby is a complete liability in run support, which will likely be an issue at the next level. As a pure pass defender, however, he is one of the best in this class.

5. Marcus Peters, Washington

Washington's Marcus Peters is similar to Jalen Collins in the fact that he has the physical potential to be great. The 6'0", 197-pound defender looks like a future superstar on tape, but he comes with a host of off-field issues.

Peters was suspended and eventually dismissed from the Washington team this past season for clashing with the coaching staff. He also tends to make mental mistakes on the field and can be an overly emotional player.

He is worth the risk for a team that believes it can control his emotional issues, and he may prove to be one of the top products of this draft if he can straighten them out.

Pass-Rusher

John Raoux/Associated Press

The Chiefs also do not have a major need at pass-rusher, especially with sack artist Justin Houston still on the roster under the franchise tag.

However, Houston's future is far from certain, and if the right guy is available, Kansas City may want to start thinking about his replacement. 

Of course, having two stud pass-rushers isn't a bad thing for a team with playoff aspirations.

1. Dante Fowler Jr., Florida

Florida's Dante Fowler Jr. is by far the top pass-rusher in this year's draft class. He may also be the top overall player to enter the NFL this year. Because of this, it would likely take a monumental trade to move up and get him.

Making that trade, however, might just be worth it. The 6'3", 261-pound defender is a ferocious quarterback's nightmare who can change a game on his own. 

As Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com recently pointed out, Fowler's sack numbers (8.5 in 2014) don't even indicate just how good of a pass-rusher he is: 

"

Dante Fowler much better pass rusher than sack numbers indicate.

— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) April 26, 2015"

2. Randy Gregory, Nebraska

From an on on-field standpoint, Nebraska's Randy Gregory has nearly as much pro potential as Fowler. If it weren't for a couple of significant question marks, he would probably be a definite top-10 selection.

Gregory is light at 6'5" and 235 pounds and will likely need to add bulk to excel at the next level. He is also a raw prospect who may need some time to develop into a complete pro. Lastly, there are serious questions about his decision-making after he failed drug tests at Nebraska and at the NFL Scouting Combine.

If Gregory can learn to walk the straight and narrow and a team is willing to be patient with him, however, he could become an absolute steal. 

3. Vic Beasley, Clemson

Clemson's Vic Beasley is another guy worthy of a first-round selection. He amassed 33 collegiate sacks thanks to a rare combination of quickness and relentlessness and doesn't bring the concerns of a guy like Gregory.

The downside with Beasley is that he is only 6'3" and 246 pounds and lacks strength. This means that he doesn't have the length that many of today's top sack artists possess, and he will likely need do some serious work in the weight room in order to become a more well-rounded pass-rusher.

Still, Beasley is an explosive athlete and a guy who would look good across from Houston in the Chiefs' defensive front.

4. Alvin Dupree, Kentucky

Alvin “Bud” Dupree of Kentucky is an athletic freak at 6’4”, 269 pounds. He definitely has the look and build of a prototypical pass-rusher with the speed (a 4.56-second 40 at the combine) to match.

The knock on Dupree is that he is definitely not a complete player. He takes time to diagnose and react to a play and will likely be a liability in most coverage schemes until he has had time to develop.

As a pure pass-rusher, however, he is a top-tier talent and certainly worthy of a first-round selection.

5. Eli Harold, Virginia

Virginia's Eli Harold isn't as complete a player as some of the guys on this board, but he is an exceptional speed-rusher who should find a home as an outside linebacker in the pros.

At 6'3" and 247 pounds, he has adequate size for the position, though it is certainly not elite. He does have an uncanny sense of balance and bend while rushing, which allows him to beat blocks around the edge. 

Though Harold has above-average hand technique, he lacks power, especially in the lower body. 

Defensive Lineman

As long as defensive tackle Dontari Poe is manning the middle of the Kansas City defense, there shouldn't be a drastic need to add a mammoth defensive lineman. 

However, run defense is a definite weakness for the Chiefs. The team was ranked just 28th overall against the run in 2014, according to Pro Football Focus. Adding a front-line run defender should remain an option.

1. Leonard Williams, USC

Like Dante Fowler Jr., USC's Leonard Williams may well end up being the best overall player to come out of the 2015 draft class. He is a rare athlete for a 6’5”, 302-pounder and brings true positional and scheme versatility to the defensive line.

There doesn't seem to be a lot of downside with Williams, aside from a few minor collegiate injuries. 

Like any draft prospect, there is always the chance that Williams will struggle to make the transition to the NFL game. However, he looks like a sure thing in this draft.

2. Danny Shelton, Washington

Washington's Danny Shelton is another dominant collegiate lineman who should be coveted at the top of the draft. At 6'2" and 339 pounds, he is a wide, heavy space-eater with surprising athleticism for a guy his size.

Shelton projects as a prototypical run defender at the NFL level, though he does have value as an interior pass-rusher. The biggest question with Shelton is whether or not he can consistently dominate, because there were times at Washington when he would fade into the background.

Still, Shelton would be a top-10 pick in many other drafts, but he may actually fall in the first round due to the amount of talent at wide receiver and pass-rusher and because of the desirability of the top two quarterbacks.

3. Arik Armstead, Oregon

Oregon's Arik Armstead is a tall and lean (6'7", 292 pounds) defensive lineman who brings the ability to play either tackle or end. He has the potential to be a dominant run-stopper at the next level, but he is a raw prospect.

Armstead is a bit of a boom-or-bust prospect because teams will be drafting him based on his athleticism and his future potential. His production (just 46 tackles, 2.5 sacks in 2014) leaves something to be desired.

For the Chiefs, Armstead projects as a defensive end who could aid in the woeful run-support department. 

4. Malcom Brown, Texas

Texas product Malcom Brown is almost the opposite of Armstead in the sense that he looks fantastic on film but doesn't really measure up as an athletic specimen.

He has a thick, powerful 6’2”, 319 pound frame with surprising flexibility for a man his size, but he isn't as long or explosive as some of the other guys on this draft board. Where Brown excels is with his football intelligence and technique.

He is a pro-ready prospect with Round 1 talent. However, he may slide on draft day due to runs at other positions.

5. Eddie Goldman, Florida State

Florida State's Eddie Goldman is a monster of a defensive tackle at 6’4” and 336 pounds. He has the body of a nose tackle and the agility of a much smaller lineman.

The knock on Goldman is that he lacks ability as a pass-rusher. However, he is an exceptional run defender who can diagnose and attack plays up front. He is powerful at the point of attack and can make plays on his own.

In a sense, Goldman projects better for the Chiefs as a guy to rotate in with Poe rather than as a linemate.